​The 2017 B'nai B'rith International/B'nai B'rith Europe annual leadership forum kicks off in Prague, Czech Republic, on Oct. 29 and runs through Oct. 31. The International conference, "Jewish Communities and Western Democracies: What's the Future?" will attract B’nai B’rith leaders from Europe, the United States, Canada, Israel and Latin America for an exciting and informative program.

The leadership forum will be led by B’nai B’rith International President Gary P. Saltzman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin, as well as B'nai B'rith Renaissance Prague President Tomas Kraus and B'nai B'rith Europe President Daniel Citone.

Prague Mayor Adriana Krnáčová will present the opening address. Other speakers at the forum include: Minister of Culture Daniel Herman; former Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic Karel Schwarzenberg; Director of the Transatlantic Relations Center and member of the Board of Directors of the 2000 Foundation Alexandr Vondra; and Director of the Institute of Empirical Research STEM and Presidential Candidate Pavel Fischer. A preview of some of the most pressing issues facing Europe today will be provided by European Commissioner for Justice, Consumer Protection and Gender Equality Věra Jourová and the Coordinator of the European Commission on Combating Anti-Semitism Katharina von Schnurbein.

The Leadership Forum kicks off with a boat cruise on the Vltava River, followed by educational panel discussions and will conclude with a gala dinner at the prestigious premises of Rudolfinum.

Ambassador of Jamaica to the United States and Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the Organization of American States Audrey P. Marks addressed the B’nai B’rith Diplomatic Encounter Series. The ambassador focused on the historic, trade and technology relations Jamaica has with the United States and with Israel.

In his introductory remarks, B’nai B’rith CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin noted: “Jamaica’s Jewish community is one of the oldest in the western hemisphere, dating back to the 15th century.” And he described Jamaica’s growing relationship with Israel, which recently “welcomed Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, the first holder of his office to visit the Jewish state.”

Finally, he concluded: “We see tremendous prospects in this deep bilateral relationship, and B’nai B’rith follows developments on this, and Jamaica’s relationship with United States, with great interest. We look forward to learning of new diplomatic developments, and working together to support these efforts.”

Marks recounted that the recent trip by the Jamaican prime minister to Israel was in the interest of expanding and deepening bilateral relations between the two countries. “Jamaica is very strongly supporting the peace process Israel is pursuing.” The ambassador talked about shared technological interests and partnerships, and commended Israel’s ingenuity: “There is so much Jamaica can learn from Israel.”

During a question and answer session, Jamaica was praised for refusing to support an anti-Israel resolution at UNESCO (the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization) last year, which denied Jewish historical claims to the Temple Mount.

The diplomatic encounter series enables ambassadors and other Washington officials to directly address the most pressing diplomatic issues of the day. The series is made possible through a generous grant from the B'nai B'rith Jess and Mildred Fisher Memorial Endowment Fund.

B’nai B’rith International President Gary P. Saltzman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:

The United States’ decision to withdraw from UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) presents UNESCO with an important opportunity for much needed reform, before the steady politicization of the organization renders it globally irrelevant.

Perhaps the U.S. withdrawal will serve as a wake-up call for all U.N. agencies to begin a process of systemic reform, in order to return the organization to its original mission. To be sure, UNESCO is only part of a U.N. system that is rife with politicization in general, and bias against Israel in particular.

Outgoing UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova has attempted to bring about balance within the organization. But unfortunately, it has not been enough to overcome the members of UNESCO that repeatedly hijack the purpose and mission of the organization, or have simply looked the other way.

In recent years, UNESCO has voted to reject Israel’s sovereignty over Jerusalem, the historic capital of Israel. We reiterate what we said earlier this year. That UNESCO bodies have become more complicit in an ill-conceived and politicized Palestinian campaign that seeks to erase the connection between Jews and their holiest sites—beginning with the Temple Mount and the Western Wall. The UNESCO-affiliated World Heritage Committee continually seeks to advance the Palestinian narrative.

The politicization of UNESCO has also cast a pall over the organization's work in scientific, educational and cultural fields. That will be the case until it casts off its political agendas.

B’nai B’rith, which has an office of U.N. Affairs at the world body’s global headquarters in New York, and representation at UNESCO in Paris and the Human Rights Council in Geneva, has long called-out anti-Israel bias.

B’nai B’rith International is deeply concerned about Iran’s ongoing support for terrorism around the world, its ballistic missile testing, and its persistent threats against Israel.

It has been our long-held position that the international community needs to call out and condemn Iran's rogue behavior on many fronts.

The signing of the nuclear agreement with Iran has not brought about a lessening in its hegemonism in the region. Iran has accelerated and extended its influence across the Middle East, and especially over a decade in Syria, Iraq and Yemen. Tehran is the largest state-sponsor of terror and is known for inciting violence and hate around the world, including calling for the destruction of Israel. Iran is a longtime backer of terrorist group Hezbollah and is a serial abuser of human rights.

In January, Iran test fired a ballistic missile, which was a direct violation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2231. According to reports, the missile traveled 600 miles. This isn’t the first time that Iran has ignored U.N. Resolution 2231; in July 2016 Tehran test fired a similar missile.

B’nai B’rith International will carefully monitor the next steps after President Donald J. Trump has announced he is disavowing the Iran nuclear agreement and we urge the international community to seriously assess the full range of Iranian behavior.

B’nai B’rith International President Gary P. Saltzman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:

​B’nai B’rith welcomes UNESCO’s postponement of votes on two anti-Israel resolutions regarding issues related to the Palestinians. We commend the tireless work of Israel’s diplomatic team for this accomplishment, and we thank the U.S. delegation for its support of Israel on this matter.

We have long fought against the mistreatment of Israel at UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) and across numerous U.N. agencies, which serially single out Israel for supposed misdeeds more than all other nations combined. In few other systems would a six-month postponement of such discrimination be viewed in positive terms. Yet Israel is so often a target of the U.N. machine that this can be considered a positive step.

​We hope this six-month deferment will lead to more cooperation with Israel and we pledge to continue working with our partners at the United Nations to ensure more just, fair and responsible treatment of the Jewish state within the world body.

B'nai B'rith International has selected Michael Federmann, Chairman of the Board of Federmann Enterprises Ltd., to receive its 2017 Distinguished Humanitarian Award, which recognizes individuals who have demonstrated dynamic leadership through a commitment to philanthropy and to the communities they serve. This is the first time we have honored someone with this award in Israel.

Michael Federmann will receive the award during a dinner reception on Nov. 8 at the Dan Hotel in Tel-Aviv, Israel.Since 1969 Michael Federmann has held different managerial positions in the Federmann Group. He serves as Chairman & CEO of Federmann Enterprises, as Chairman of the Board of Elbit Systems and as Chairman of the Board of the Dan Hotels.

Dan Hotels was founded in 1947, when two brothers, Yekutiel (Michael Federmann's father) and Shmuel Federmann bought the Kaete Dan, a guest house located on the Tel-Aviv shoreline. Now in its 70th anniversary, Dan Hotels encompasses 14 hotels and as Chairman of the Board, Michael Federmann oversees more than 3,600 employees. The King David Jerusalem is the Chain's most prestigious hotel, accommodating world leaders and recently hosted U.S. President Donald J. Trump during his visit to Israel and Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India. The Dan Hotels have just opened their first 230 room hotel in Bangalore, India.

Since 2000 Michael Federmann has served as Chairman of Elbit Systems Ltd. Elbit Systems is a leading international defense electronics company engaged in a wide range of programs throughout the world. The Company operates in the areas of aerospace, commercial aviation solutions, land and naval systems, command, control, communications, computers, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (C4ISR), homeland security applications, unmanned aircraft and naval systems, advanced electro-optics, electro-optic space systems, electronic warfare (EW) suites, airborne warning systems, electronic intelligence systems, data links, artillery systems, cyber security solutions, military communications systems and radios. The Company employs more than 12,500 people worldwide, with 16 sites in Israel as well as a variety of local entities to support and engage with clients both home and abroad. The Company's annual revenue in 2016 was U.S. $3.26 billion and the Federmann Group is the major shareholder.

Michael Federmann serves as Chairman of the Board of Governors of The Hebrew University, since 2009. In 1996 he was awarded the degree of Doctor Honoris Causa by the Hebrew University.

"B'nai B'rith International is proud to recognize Michael Federmann with the 2017 Distinguished Humanitarian Award for his philanthropic efforts with The Hebrew University, Jerusalem, the Haifa University and The Weizmann Institute of Science," B'nai B'rith International President Gary P. Saltzman said.

Michael Federmann has received the following illustrious honors: Honorary Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany, Commandeur de l'Ordre Nationale de la Republique de Cote d'Ivoire and the Order of Merit of the Free State of Saxony.

"We are thrilled that our 2017 Distinguished Humanitarian Award is going to Michael Federmann. Holding this event in Israel allows us to showcase his charitable work in his native country and show our supporters the impact he has made on Israeli society and beyond," B'nai B'rith International CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin said.

Starting in 1888 B'nai B'rith began its presence in pre-state Israel with the creation of the Jerusalem Lodge. The lodge began laying the foundation for the cultural, economic and social rebirth of the Jewish nation and the State of Israel. Another milestone was reached in 1980, with the establishment of the B'nai B'rith World Center-Jerusalem. The World Center is our connection to a wide range of Israeli governmental, academic and cultural institutions. The center promotes strong Israel-Diaspora relations. It is the voice of the B'nai B'rith community to the Israeli government, national institutions and the non-governmental organization (NGO) community in Israel. The World Center also sponsors community service work, cultural programs and interchange.​B'nai B'rith International Distinguished Humanitarian Award highlights the outstanding work of individuals across the globe who set the standards for community involvement and bettering the lives of people throughout the world. Recipients of the Distinguished Humanitarian Awards have each shown a history of dedicated leadership through a commitment to the communities they serve.

Award Dinner Photo Gallery

B’nai B’rith International praises members of the European Parliament for condemning the invitation and speech of convicted terrorist Leila Khaled at the august body.

Nearly 60 members of the European Parliament sent a letter, which was initiated by members of the Parliament Anders Vistisen and Bas Belder from the ECR group, to European Parliament President Antonio Tajani in response to the invitation and subsequent speech by Leila Khaled—a known Palestinian terrorist—who spoke at an event titled “The Role of Women in the Palestinian Popular Resistance.” Khaled is a member of the terrorist organization Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) and is known for hijacking planes. Her speech, which we condemned vociferously at the time, was an anti-Israel tirade.

In their letter, the Members of Parliament write: “Ms Leila Khaled is a current member of a EU designated terrorist organisation, the PFLP, and previously responsible for the hijacking of American and Israeli airlines, the spread of incitement and the promotion of hatred and violence. Her current membership of and activities for the PFLP, her provocation to commit a terrorist act by joking about hijacking an airplane – and receiving a standing ovation for that remark during her speech in Parliament – are furthermore clear violations of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism.”

(Scroll down to read the full letter from 60 Members of European Parliament)

It is crucial that democratic institutions and officials establish a zero tolerance stance toward terrorists and extremists. The European Parliament should strive to be an example in this regard.

In an op-ed in response to her appearance, B’nai B’rith International CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin wrote “if there was ever a reminder that Europe is losing its way, the appearance this week at the European Parliament by convicted Palestinian terrorist Leila Khaled is surely it.” Click here to read the full op-ed in The Algemeiner.

Full letter:

“Dear Honourable President Tajani,

We would like to bring to your attention “The Role of Women in the Palestinian Popular Struggle” event that was organised by the GUE/NGL Group and Unadikum at the European Parliament in Brussels on 26 September 2017. The event violates Council Common Position of 27 December 2001 on the specific measures to combat terrorism (2001/931/CFSP) and the updated Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/1426) of 4 August 2017 by directly and indirectly giving support to a EU designated terrorist organisation, including the provision of services to a person acting on behalf of the organisation. The Council Decision designates the ‘Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine’ (PFLP), amongst Hamas and Hezbollah’s military wing, as a terror organisation, and thus Parliament shall refrain from inviting representatives of a EU designated terror organisation to the European Parliament.

Ms Leila Khaled is a current member of a EU designated terrorist organisation, the PFLP, and previously responsible for the hijacking of American and Israeli airlines, the spread of incitement and the promotion of hatred and violence. Her current membership of and activities for the PFLP, her provocation to commit a terrorist act by joking about hijacking an airplane – and receiving a standing ovation for that remark during her speech in Parliament – are furthermore clear violations of the Council of Europe Convention on the Prevention of Terrorism. The speeches by the Unadikum representative and Ms Leila Khaled unquestionably amounted to direct and indirect incitement through the use of multiple references of terrorist offences being necessary and justified, the drawing of comparisons of contemporary Israeli policy to that of the Nazis, the denial of the right of the Jewish people to self-determination and the use of symbols and images associated with classic anti-Semitism to characterise Israel or Israelis. The dissemination of such messages furthermore regrettably violates the definition of Anti-Semitism adopted by Parliament in June 2017. Please note Appendix I, II, III and IV as evidence for the above charges.

We fully recognise the weight that the European Parliament carries in political and public debate and therefore regret the tarnishing of the Parliament’s good name and the message that the event sent to European citizens and Member States. We strongly believe that the Parliament carries a responsibility to all European citizens to take a united stand against terrorism and its incitement, especially at a time when Europe has experienced the agonising truth of terrorist attacks across its continent. We urge that in cases, in which EP regulations and Council Decisions were violated, adequate measures are taken against the persons, political groups and/or entities responsible for the organisation of the event as their actions undermine the united fight against terrorism.

In light of the above, we kindly ask you, under your honourable leadership, to investigate the details surrounding the event and whether the funding for the event on 26 September by the GUENGL Group, notably if EU taxpayers money was used that violated EP regulations and Council Decision (CFSP) 2017/1426). The selling and advertising of merchandise from an outside organisation during the meeting as well as the covering of the EP logo on the podium in the meeting room go against the overall customary EP principles of provisions and rules governing meetings of political groups at the European Parliament. If any irregularities have taken place, we urge for appropriate action to be taken and funds to be returned to the budget of the European Parliament.

We thank you very much for your cooperation and we look forward to your reply,

​B’nai B’rith International President Gary P. Saltzman and CEO Daniel S. Mariaschin have issued the following statement:

B’nai B’rith International is shocked by the horrific shooting that occurred Sunday night at the Route 91 Harvest Festival in Las Vegas. More than 50 people were killed and more than 500 were injured at the country music festival.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department stated the person responsible for the shooting was 64-year-old Stephen Paddock, who was later found dead in his hotel room. The police believe that he killed himself. According to Las Vegas Sheriff Joseph Lombardo, Paddock was found with more than 10 rifles.

It is well past time for meaningful, bipartisan gun violence legislation in this country. In 2013, B’nai B’rith International leaders adopted a formal resolution that called for a ban on assault weapons, as well as a limit on ammunition magazine capacity. Though information about the shooter and his arsenal is still being uncovered, we have long held there is no acceptable, reasonable need for civilians to have access to large rounds of ammunition.

B’nai B’rith stands in solidarity with the Las Vegas community and with all those impacted by gun violence around the nation.

We mourn the lives lost to this act of depravity and offer condolences to their families. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the hundreds of wounded victims whose healing and rehabilitation has just begun.